New Flyer hybrid-electric buses to include next-generation BAE Systems propulsion system

BAE Systems’ next-generation component offers improved reliability and serviceability for New Flyer’s advanced hybrid-electric transit bus

St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA – August 14, 2024: (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB) – New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (NFI) and a leader in zero-emission electric mobility solutions, today announced the addition of BAE Systems’ Gen3 modular power control system (MPCS) and traction motor as an available powertrain option for Xcelsior^® hybrid-electric transit buses built from model year 2025 onward.

The next-generation system from BAE Systems is smaller and lighter than the previous generation product. The reduced number of components, cables, and connections in the MPCS works in conjunction with hardware and software improvements to provide more reliability, more efficiency, and a better total cost of ownership over the life of the bus. The system features two energy storage options, including a 12-year-life ultracapacitor or a part-time electric, geofencing-capable solution, all supported by BAE Systems’ extensive North American service network. BAE Systems’ Gen3 system represents progress gained across more than 27 years of innovation and improvement, built off lessons learned from across 18,000 fielded electric propulsion systems.

“At New Flyer, we are working continuously to integrate new parts and technologies, and with each new inclusion we aim to strike a balance between products that are innovative and reliable,” said Ian Macpherson, Vice President, Engineering Services, New Flyer and MCI. “We believe offering this new MPCS option is an important next step in our continuing mission to provide our customers with a more reliable, efficient and sustainable product.”

“Our next-generation electric drive system harnesses our commitment to continued innovation, enhancing the proven benefits of hybrid-electric technology in transit,” said Rob Dykema, Senior Director of North American Transit Accounts for Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “This system improves hybrid-electric bus efficiency, lowering fuel use and emissions to advance sustainable public transportation.”

New Flyer has a wide variety of propulsion options across its Xcelsior family of heavy-duty transit buses, including battery-electric, fuel cell-electric, and hybrid-electric options. Hybrid-electric vehicles can often serve as a low-emission steppingstone for agencies before they transition to zero-emission options. The implementation of these vehicles allows time for necessary support elements, such as infrastructure, to be implemented while still immediately reducing an agency’s greenhouse gas (GHG) contributions.

“New Flyer understands that our position as a leader in sustainable transit makes it necessary for us to meet communities where they are as they work towards their emission reduction goals,” said Jennifer McNeill, Vice President, Public Sector Sales & Marketing, New Flyer and MCI. “For many agencies, hybrid-electric buses are the option best suited to their current circumstances and a first step towards fleet decarbonization.”

Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through its mobility solution ecosystem, which includes buses and coaches; infrastructure; parts and service; technology; workforce development and training; and vehicle financing. NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening in late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 400 interactive events, welcoming 9,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.

About NFI

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world. With zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.

With over 8,750 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer^® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI^® (motor coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC^® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts^™. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of over 100,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI’s common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol NFI and its convertible unsecured debentures are traded on the TSX under the symbol NFI.DB. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.arbocsv.com, and carfaircomposites.com.

About New Flyer

New Flyer is North America’s heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior^® and Xcelsior CHARGE^® brands. It also offers infrastructure development through NFI Infrastructure Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and reliable charging and mobility solutions. New Flyer actively supports over 35,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 8,600 are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,900 are zero-emission. Further information is available at www.newflyer.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services; customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to and shortage of labor supply; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.  

Due to the potential impact of these factors, NFI disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. 

For investor and media inquiries, please contact: 
Stephen King 
P: 204.792.1300 
[email protected]